Hockey: Fight-back brings March so close to the points

PUBLISHED: 08:31 27 January 2006 | UPDATED: 21:39 28 May 2010

FOUR FOR FOURTHS: Action from March IV's 4-2 friendly victory over Peterborough V on Saturday.
Picture by Brian Purdy.

East Men s League Division Two North University of East Anglia I 4 March I 3 MARCH came away from Saturday s game knowing that they should have taken all three points. Defensive lapses allowed UEA to open up a three-goal lead but March got back in to th

MARCH came away from Saturday's game knowing that they should have taken all three points.

Defensive lapses allowed UEA to open up a three-goal lead but March got back in to the game just before the break when Hugh Whittome's smart finish reduced the arrears.

The visitors were much improved in the second half and concerted pressure resulted in two goals from Jody Betts and Matt Bamford to level the scores.

However, the rampant March side failed to kill off the game and another mistake allowed the home side to score the winner.

Division Four North West

March II 2 Boston I 1

MARCH recorded their 10th consecutive league victory despite putting in a below par performance.

The home side controlled the first half but a fine performance from the Boston keeper kept the scores level until he was finally beaten by Charlie Bester late in the first half.

March switched off in the second half and it took a Boston equaliser to bring them back in to life.

Again the visiting keeper was outstanding but with just 10 minutes remaining, Brian Fox smashed the ball in following a goalmouth scramble.

March's player of the match Ben Sole marshalled the defence that denied Boston any chances of an equaliser.

Cambridge Nomads III 4 March III 0

THE visitors had a good share of the play in the first half but they were punished by three counter-attacks that put Nomads 3-0 up at the break.

The visitors again created chances in the second half and despite the efforts of the outstanding James Fountain and Luke Westwood in defence, Nomads broke to score a fourth.

East League Division Two North

Lincoln I 3 March Ladies I 1

MARCH were unable to convert early pressure in to goals and they were punished with an opening goal from Lincoln.

March, sponsored by Brandon Bolt Company, went 2-0 down in the second half but despite being on the end of some contentious umpiring, the visitors got back in to the game with Lauren Oakman's 17th league goal of the season.

March were unlucky not to level the scores when Kate Lefevre hit the post and the home side scored a third to wrap up the game.

Katie Rodger put in a fine performance and earned the player of the match award.

Cambs Ladies League Premier Division

Cambridge City III 2 March Ladies II 0

AN under-strength March side were forced to defend for long periods of the first half but stand-in keeper Maria Shackloth made several fine saves to keep the scores level at the break.

March, sponsored by Mondi Packaging UK, continued to battle in the second half but in the final five minutes of the game, two City goals secured a home victory.

Tomorrow, March will be looking for three points when they entertain fellow strugglers St Ives III.

Cambs Ladies League Division Two

March Ladies III 1

Peterborough Town IV 1

THIS proved to be a closely-fought match and a draw was probably a fair result.

March, sponsored by The New Kashmir Balti House, took the lead on 22 minutes when skipper Jenny Palmer, scored her seventh league goal of the season.

However, the visitors dominated the second half and although player of the match Kelly Palmer was outstanding in defence, Peterborough netted an equaliser five minutes from time.